Russian missile explosions and their impact on human health: should we sound the alarm?
3 December 2024 14:15
Ukrainians will suffer from cancer without realizing that the cause of their illness is Russian missiles exploding on Ukrainian soil. This was recently stated by inventor and software engineer Borys Drozhaka. The scientist emphasizes that during the “arrivals” the rockets penetrate the soil quite deeply, poisoning it with chemical compounds, reports
“No matter what methods and certifications we have for demining, you will never go more than half a meter. And this dangerous substance can be very deep. And imagine if the minimum amount is hexogen, some kind of fuel, then it can get into the water, which will spread to the whole region,” says Drozhak.
Oncologist Anton Shkiryak shares the scientist’s warnings and states that such a large amount of chemical explosives in the air will obviously affect the health of Ukrainians in the future.
He confirms that the substances contained in rocket fuel-including napalm and thermite-have a negative impact on the human body.
“The explosion of one rocket alone releases several thousand different chemical compounds, including petroleum products,” he said.
Although the impact on the environment and human health from Russian missiles is very large, Shkiryak states that there are no official scientific studies at this stage that would show a specific number of cases of cancer caused by the effects of missile attacks.
How to protect yourself from the effects of harmful substances carried by Russian missiles
After the war is over, Ukraine will need comprehensive approaches to reduce the damage caused by explosives that have entered the water and the environment in general.
According to Mr. Shkiryak, it is necessary to develop a state program for water and building purification, as well as a program for its purification at home.
But first, it is necessary to conduct a study of the impact of chemicals released into the atmosphere, water and soil during active hostilities on the health of citizens.
Stress is the main causative agent of human diseases
Shkiryak also noted that the stress that occurs during the war has no less impact on the health of Ukrainians, in particular, on the launch of cancer processes in the body.
“Over the past two years, we have seen a significant increase in the number of disease exacerbations in patients with previously diagnosed cancer. In addition, stress leads to the emergence of new cancers,” the doctor explained.
Shkiryak points out that people during the war have become more attentive to symptoms and more likely to seek advice at early stages. However, in general, Ukrainians are not responsible enough for their health.
“The beginning of oncology is always an inflammatory process that develops into inflammation, the transformation of a healthy cell into a pathological cell, which then becomes atypical, non-standard, uncharacteristic of this organ, followed by tumor growth. But all these inflammatory processes can be so sluggish that a person, in principle, does not pay attention,” says the oncologist.
Do not forget about early diagnosis of diseases
Skiryak also emphasized the importance of early diagnosis and screening. Annual medical examinations and early diagnosis can significantly reduce the risk of developing serious diseases, including cancer.
“It is necessary to teach Ukrainians to love themselves and take care of their health, even in times of war. Health is national security. The number of healthy citizens is the basis of our independence and security,” summarized Shkiryak.
How hazardous substances from missiles affect the environment
Although there are no precise studies that confirm a direct link between missile explosions and cancer, Russian missiles and explosive devices cause serious damage to the environment. In particular, rockets filled with explosives pollute the air and soil with hazardous chemicals.
“Rocket and shell explosions produce numerous toxic compounds, such as carbon monoxide, brown gas, nitrogen dioxide, formaldehyde, and others. During the explosion, these substances undergo complete oxidation, after which their products are released into the atmosphere. They settle on the surface, and soil contamination worsens the quality of water, both underground and surface,” Maryna Ratushna, an expert at the NGO Ecodiya, told Big Kyiv.
Environmentalists note that the worst air pollution was recorded in the Kyiv region in March 2022, when fires caused by active hostilities spread to large areas around the capital.
Russian missiles and radioactive contamination
Meanwhile, military expert Oleh Zhdanov in a conversation with journalists
“The more weapons are fired, the more shells, bombs and missiles explode, the worse the environmental situation is,” Zhdanov said.
He emphasized that explosions release oxides, especially sulfur-containing ones, which cause significant damage to the environment. In particular, the expert noted that after explosions of fragmentation shells, a specific white-blue coating may remain on the ground. These are oxides that are very harmful to both the environment and humans.
Why there is no need to panic
Zhdanov also noted that pollution caused by explosions is a problem that can be solved quite easily. All the toxins come with precipitation – snow or rain – and are washed into the soil. Of course, this affects the environment, but it is currently unrealistic to carry out reclamation in such areas. And, according to the expert, the ground is the best purifier.
“Even the craters that our guys take off from quadcopters are already black. There is no plaque there, everything is washed away. They are old, and nature is already pulling them in,” Zhdanov says.
Regarding the impact of toxic substances on the environment, the expert clarified that the environmental situation can deteriorate significantly as a result of fuel leaks from low-quality missiles, particularly in the Caspian Sea.
“The environmental situation there has deteriorated greatly, because fuel from missiles is leaking and the sea fauna is simply dying because of it,” Zhdanov said, noting that toxic chemicals used in the war pose a serious threat.
According to Zhdanov, toxic chemicals release compounds that are very dangerous for humans not only during explosions, but also in the process of their combustion. These substances can get into aquifers, but the water in the ground has a natural ability to be purified. Zhdanov also emphasized that the likelihood of creating a lethal concentration of such chemicals is unlikely. The expert also drew attention to the individual impact of toxic substances on people, as each person has a different level of immunity.
“Every organism reacts differently to toxins. Someone has a weaker immune system, someone accumulates heavy metals, and a person can get sick,” he said.
Zhdanov compared chemicals to radiation, noting that unlike radioactive elements, which can remain in the environment for a long time, toxic chemical compounds have a much shorter period of existence.
“Chemical warfare agents remain active for a maximum of 48 hours,” he added, summarizing that while these substances are dangerous, they are not as persistent as radioactive elements and will not have long-term consequences, as in the case of Chernobyl.
Despite the optimism of experts, it is clear that the toxic components generated during explosions can still worsen the health of people and the environment for a long time.
And the process and search for tools to maximize water and soil purification will be an important part of post-war recovery.
Author – Daryna Glushchenko
